Supreme Court Weighs Challenge to Obamacare Preventive Care Mandates

The Supreme Court is considering a case that challenges the constitutionality of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which determines which preventive health services insurers must cover for free under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Plaintiffs, including Texas employers, argue that the task force's members should be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, and that requiring coverage for certain services, such as HIV prevention medication, violates their religious rights. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, it could invalidate mandatory free coverage for services like cancer screenings, PrEP, and other preventive measures used by millions of Americans. During oral arguments, several justices appeared skeptical of the plaintiffs' arguments, focusing primarily on federal appointment powers rather than the broader healthcare implications. The case represents the latest legal threat to the ACA, and a decision is expected by late June or early July. The outcome could impact access to cost-free preventive healthcare for over 150 million people with private insurance.